The Des Moines Skatepark Committee and California Skateparks collaborated to create a World Class skatepark in Des Moines that is set to be one of the largest in the nation totaling more than 65,000 Sq. Ft. The City of Des Moines Iowa donated a beautiful parcel of land located along the Des Moines River adjacent to School St. and 2nd Ave. The park will be built over the existing West River Drive and incorporate an extension of river walk, giving pedestrians an option to travel through the passive part of the skatepark. The nearby pedestrian bridge spanning the river adds an additional element to the setting enhancing the interest of the skateparks location. The bridge will also serve as another route to the skatepark from down town. Centrally located to downtown and the freeway, The Des Moines Regional skatepark will be a welcome addition to the network of parks in the city.
Design inspiration was gathered from plazas and architecture found around the world to create the design for the skateplaza. Lance’s clover bowl and kidney pool are reminiscent of all the influence from backyard pools and 70’s style snake runs. At a base level, the skate plaza is intended to provide safe, fun and challenging opportunities for skateboarders and spectators alike. The plaza terrain maintains a focus on modern street/plaza and elements with an orientation towards beginner through advanced level users of all ages. Design considerations also address the opportunity for users to grow and progress in their skills. The park has ability to host a variety of events including demos, competitions and concerts. Attention has been given to incorporating a safe pedestrian walkway and inviting viewing/socializing areas.
At more than 65,000 square feet of skateable terrain, the design consists of 3 main areas. The lower plaza/pedestrian walk, the main plaza and the snake run, bowl and pool. The park includes decorative paving patterns and an earth tone color pallet consisting of tans, shades of grey, black and steel blue giving the design a unique style that integrates with its surroundings. Detailing for the hand rails, ledges, seating benches and shade structures were inspired by the arches and cables seen on the suspension bridges throughout Des Moines.
The entire skatepark was heavily influenced by the existing topography of the land and the water tables. The design also responds to the powerful currents of the river. The snake run lends itself to the flow of water at high speeds. The 2 tiered downhill snake run is over 300 feet long and includes a bit of everything.
The plaza has varying heights as it terraces down the hill in all directions. The lower and upper plaza will contain all the essential elements for modern street skating as well as a pedestrian friendly walk way with shaded seating adjacent to the river. The plazas imaginative architecture replicates the organic nature of real street spots. Features were meticulously designed for optimum functionality and to reflect the true power of skateboarding.
Skateboarders from beginner to pro will have a safe place to skate as part of an AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy) led effort to build one of the largest skateparks in the United States along the West bank of the Des Moines River. A “sneak peek” of the plan design will be revealed at 1:00 p.m. March 31, 2012 at Subsect Skate Shop, 309 E. Walnut in the East Village.
“This will put Greater Des Moines on the national map for this growing sport. In addition to providing a new recreational resource, the Des Moines Regional Skatepark is expected to become a key venue for regional and national skateboarding exhibitions and competitions, as well as a tourist attraction,” said Jan Hill, skateboard parent and Des Moines Regional Skatepark Steering Committee chair.
Phase one for Des Moines Regional Skatepark is set to begin late 2012. The park will be located east of Wells Fargo Arena, on the west bank of the Des Moines River, north of the pedestrian bridge connecting to the Riverwalk Trail. The 65,000 square-foot project will be one of the largest skate parks in the United States.
Pro skateboarder’s Lance Mountain and Colby Carter of California Skateparks are involved in the design of the park. California Skateparks is the leader in the industry and produces the highest quality concrete skate parks while utilizing innovative state of the art construction methods and techniques.
The Des Moines Regional Skateboard Steering Committee was formed almost eight years ago through AMOS, and is comprised of youth and adult skateboarders, community members, and representatives from Des Moines Parks and Recreation. In conjunction with national Go Skateboarding Day, the Committee is planning a fundraising “kick-off event” showcasing the final plan design of the park on June 21, 2012.
Lance Mountain independently produced and directed this new NIkeSB “Pool Service” clip in which he and his construction crew including Grant Taylor, Peter Hewitt, Al Partanen and Alex Olson, and California Skateparks built this rad backyard bowl. The bowl includes coping by Golden State Coping.
MOCA ‘Art in the Streets’ Exhibit’s Skate-able Art Piece by CA skateparks, Professional Skater Lance Mountain, & Artist Geoff McFetridge featured on The Standard Hotels – Culture blog. Consider it a “live” installation because the museum will procure pro skaters from the Nike SB team to shred the skate art while its exhibiting. The exhibit runs until August 8th, don’t miss it! Check out exhibit details here.
California Skateparks, Nike SB, LA84, and the Paul Rodriguez Skateboarding Foundation are proud to announce the grand opening of the Lincoln Park Skate Spot in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, March 5th @ 2 p.m. Stop by to meet and skate with the Nike SB team riders, including P Rod! Admission is free and food & beverages will be provided!
Lincoln Park is a collaboration between all aforementioned presenters. The park was designed by CA skateparks with help from key employee and legendary professional skater Lance Mountain, received support from the LA84 Foundation, and was built by yours truly. With the addition of this park, Los Angeles continues to become the premier skateboarding destination in the world.
Check out new skate spot here
